Tender Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe: Juicy Dinner Joy

Tender, juicy chicken gets an instant flavor boost with this creamy Greek yogurt marinated chicken method that turns ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering meal.

The tangy marinade penetrates deep into the meat, creating incredibly succulent results.

Greek yogurt works magic by breaking down protein fibers and infusing rich, zesty notes throughout the chicken.

Each bite promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired seasoning that dances on your palate.

Aromatic herbs and spices blend seamlessly with the yogurt smooth texture, guaranteeing a dish that’s both simple and spectacular.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this foolproof technique.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your cooking game with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 5

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Ingredients

• Greek Yogurt: Provides creamy tang and tenderizes chicken with natural enzymes.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and create smooth, even coating.

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright citrus notes and helps break down protein fibers.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic punch with deep savory undertones.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): Infuse earthy, woodland-inspired complexity.

• Salt: Highlights and balances overall recipe flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and spicy undertone.
• Paprika: Contributes mild smoky sweetness and gorgeous reddish color.

Tools for Marinating Greek Yogurt Chicken

• Mixing bowl: Large container for combining marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
• Gallon-size resealable freezer bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly.
• Instant-read thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Gas grill: Main cooking equipment for preparing chicken.
• Grill brush: Used for cleaning grates and applying oil.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken on the grill.

Instructions for Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Flavor Infusion Preparation

Mix creamy yogurt with aromatic herbs and zesty spices to create a tangy marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish.

• Chicken Coating

Generously cover chicken pieces with the yogurt mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny gets wrapped in delicious flavor.

• Marinating Magic

Allow chicken to rest in the refrigerator, letting the yogurt work its tenderizing magic and deeply infuse the meat with incredible taste.

• Grill Setup

Fire up the grill to a sizzling hot temperature and prepare the cooking surface with a light brush of oil.

• Perfect Cooking

Grill the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature, flipping once to create beautiful golden-brown grill marks and seal in the succulent juices.

• Serving Delight

Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the meat to remain incredibly juicy.

Tips to Max Out Yogurt Chicken Flavor

• Greek yogurt's natural enzymes break down protein fibers, creating incredibly soft and juicy chicken that melts in your mouth.
• Swap herbs and spices in the marinade to match your taste preferences – try rosemary and lemon for Mediterranean vibes or cumin and paprika for a smoky twist.
• Always let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to help redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains moist and succulent.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, cook marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven on a wire rack or use a grill pan for beautiful caramelized marks and rich flavor development.
• Use cheaper chicken cuts like thighs instead of breasts – they're more forgiving, stay juicier, and absorb marinades more effectively while costing less per pound.

Serving Greek Yogurt Chicken Creatively

• Pair with Zesty Greek Salad: Chop crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and sprinkle tangy feta cheese over a bed of fresh greens. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing side that complements the marinated chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa in vegetable broth, then toss with chopped parsley, mint, and a touch of garlic. The light, fluffy grains provide a nutritious and flavorful base that soaks up the chicken's delicious marinade.
• Create Mediterranean Pita Wraps: Slice grilled chicken into strips, stuff inside warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, and a handful of arugula. Roll up for a portable and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Greece right to your plate.
• Add Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil, oregano, and sea salt. Roast until caramelized and serve alongside the chicken for a colorful and wholesome dining experience.

Storage Guide for Yogurt Chicken

• Maximize Freshness: Store marinated chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, sealed tightly to prevent cross-contamination.
• Smart Portioning: Divide chicken into individual serving sizes before marinating for quick, convenient meal prep during busy weeks.
• Freeze with Finesse: Wrap marinated chicken securely in freezer-safe bags, removing all air to maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Thaw refrigerated marinated chicken overnight and grill within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and food safety.

Tender Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent greek yogurt marinated chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with remarkable ease. Herbal notes and tangy yogurt create a juicy, tender protein perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.25 lbs (1.02 kg) chicken thighs or chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) greek yogurt, whole milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• ¼ cup (15 g) cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt with chosen seasonings in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
2. Chicken Preparation: Transfer chicken into a sealable plastic bag, ensuring enough room for complete coating.
3. Marinating Process: Pour yogurt mixture over chicken, massaging thoroughly to achieve uniform coverage, then squeeze out excess air and seal tightly.
4. Refrigeration: Marinate chicken in the sealed bag for 2-24 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
5. Grill Preparation: Preheat gas grill to 425°F, clean grates, and lightly oil to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cooking.
6. Grilling Technique: Place marinated chicken on hot grates, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, using an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.
7. Resting Stage: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for several minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken soak in Greek yogurt mixture for at least 2 hours, with longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) intensifying flavor and tenderness.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Prevent Sticking Strategies: Lightly oil clean grill grates before cooking to ensure easy chicken removal and beautiful grill marks.
• Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and maintain optimal moisture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 129 mg